Former Nasarawa Council Clerk Warns Against Inflammatory Statement

A former clerk of the legislative arm of Obi local government area of Nasarawa State, Joseph Moses-Onuku, has condemned the recent statements credited to the leadership of Alago Development Association (ADA), youth wing that ranches in the state will bring war. Mose-Onukwu, made the condemnation in an exclusive interview with our correspondent in Lafia, yesterday. It would be recalled that the Nasarawa State government in compliance with the federal government directive gave out seven locations for ranches in the state, four of which fall in Alago dominated settlements. Reacting to the state government’s action, Alago youths said allotting land for cattle ranches in Doma, Keana, Obi and Assakio, which are predominantly Alago settlements, would destroy the relative peace being enjoyed in the areas. The president of the association, Barrister Iliya Ashokpa Auna, while addressing journalists in Lafia, said the Alagos, who are predominantly farmers and descendent of Kwararafa, had some traditions, which might conflict with the activities of the herdsmen.

The leadership of ADA, youth wing warned Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, not to invite war in the state over his recent approval for the establishment of cattle ranches to be cited in Alago majority communities. The former clerk said, “The establishment of cattle ranches will bring lasting solution across the 13 local governments and the 18 development areas of the state.” According to him, before now the Fulani herders and farmers have been living in peace with one another as one family, adding that the crisis between Fulani herders and Tiv farmers has a political undertone.